A MAN arrested in connection with an attack in the notorious Bunny Walks has been released on bail.

The woman, 39, was walking near First Avenue on Thursday (November 24) at 7.50pm, when a man thought to be wielding a knife tried dragging her into woods.

She was punched in the face before fighting the attacker off, then alerted the police – she did not suffer any lasting injuries.

It is the second vicious assault in as many months, flaring residents’ renewed calls for brighter streetlights and extra CCTV cameras, to help keep people safe.

Meanwhile, Essex Police has increased patrols of the semi-secluded path, running alongside the River Chelmer between Broomfield, Springfield and the city centre.

Richard Pinder, 41, a Royal Mail worker who lives in nearby Perry Hill, said: “Once again we have seen another terrifying and vicious attack in the Bunny Walks.

“This comes just weeks after a man was beaten and his money taken nearby.

“The mood of the community around here is shock, shock and frustration our calls for more street lightening and CCTV cameras are ignored.

“We understand the council is hard up for cash, but while money is invested in things like the Bond Street development, the council is forgetting to help ensure the welfare of its residents.

“More cameras, more CCTV, and we will feel safer here.”

Officers carried out a search of the area and a 38-year-old man from Chelmsford was arrested in connection with the incident.

He has since been released on police bail until March 1, 2017.

A police spokesman said: “We are appealing for witnesses who saw anybody acting suspiciously in the area between 7.15pm and 8.15pm.

"Chelmsford is a safe place to live and incidents like this are unusual.”

In another incident, a victim in his 40s, was walking along The Bunny Walks path at around 8.30pm on Thursday, October 20 when he noticed a group of five men by bushes near the Riverside Ice and Leisure car park.

He was punched in the face and robbed of a three-figure-sum.

Those with information on either incidents are asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.